Red Shirt Leaders File Countercharges Against Army Chief Over Alleged Lese Majeste

[Lite Beer]

Red Shirt leaders file countercharges against army chief over alleged lese majeste

BANGKOK, April 17 - Key Red Shirt leaders on Sunday filed countercharges against Thai army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha for defamation after the latter filed charges alleging them of insulting the country's revered monarchy in their latest mass rally.

Protest leaders of the United Front for Democracy against dictatorship (UDD) Jatuporn Prompan, Suporn Attawong and Wichien Kaokam met with deputy metropolitan police commander Pol Maj Gen Amnuay Nimmano Sunday to clarify lese majeste charges earlier filed by the army chief.

Gen Prayuth had assigned the army's Staff Judge Advocate to file lese majeste charges against Mr Jatuporn and other UDD leaders following their inappropriate remarks about the monarchy on the Red Shirt rally stage on April 10 at Rajdamnoen Avenue.

The three protest leaders, however, denied the charge, reaffirming to police that they did not insult the royal institution as accused.

They also filed countercharges against Gen Prayuth for defamation, filing unfounded complaint and malfeasance.

Gen Amnuay said after receiving the complaint that he is not worried about the case as it is not complicated.

Gen Amnuay added it is a legal procedure to receive complaints which will be later dropped if they are shown to be groundless. But the case will be forwarded to the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) in case any content deemed insulting to the revered monarch is found.

He indicated the result will be known within one week.

The Red Shirt leaders reportedly turned up at Samranrat police station amid thousand of UDD supporters who gathered there to show spiritual support to their leaders, forcing the closure of Bamrungmuang Road which lies in front of the station.

The road however was reopened for public commuters as the crowd dispersed after their three leaders left the police station.

DSI chief Tharit Pengdit earlier said at least 18 UDD leaders made inappropriate remarks about the monarchy as well as instigating people to violate laws during their April 10 rally to commemorate last year's deadly clash with security forces at Khok Wua intersection on Rajdamnoen Avenue.

Mr Tharit also said he would submit requests to the Office of Attorney General on Monday and the court to revoke the earlier bail granted to nine UDD core leaders charged with terrorism, including Natthawut Saikua, Weng Tojirakan, Korkaew Pikulthong, Kwanchai Praipana, Yoswasris Chuklom, Nisit Sinthuprai, Wiphuthalaeng Pattanaphumthai, Veera Musikapong and Jatuporn Prompan. (MCOT online news)

-- TNA 2011-04-17

[Bagwan]

Childish tit for tat - and 'I'm bringing my gang along', so there.

[ianbaggie]

:Pweve got more bullets than yoo-oooo!!!!!

[Buchholz]

Gen Amnuay added it is a legal procedure to receive complaints which will be later dropped

Setting the tone for Jatuporn's accusatory filing.

[Buchholz]

as well as instigating people to violate laws during their April 10 rally

This aspect, which isn't subject to counter-charges, could land them back in prison tomorrow.

Edited April 17, 2011 by Buchholz

[aaacorp]

there is a very nice article in the bangkokpost today, written by Voranai.

Enough of lese majestee accusations for political purposes.

[Buchholz]

Jatuporn is in a filing mood.

The other paper has him saying his Reds will file charges with the NACC on Tuesday, April 19, against Abhisit and Suthep for using force against the Reds last April and May.

I wonder if he'll use Amsterdam's Absurd Paper "crimes against humanity" as a cut 'n paste for the filing.

.

Edited April 17, 2011 by Buchholz

[philw]

there is a very nice article in the bangkokpost today, written by Voranai.

Enough of lese majestee accusations for political purposes.

Absolutely agree but must be pure coincidence that the Army initiated accusations ( Army, Army, Army.........) are just prior to an election.

[rubl]

there is a very nice article in the bangkokpost today, written by Voranai.

Enough of lese majestee accusations for political purposes.

Absolutely agree but must be pure coincidence that the Army initiated accusations ( Army, Army, Army.........) are just prior to an election.

Probably pure co-incidence. Mind you the UDD leaders speeches were on the 10th of April. It would be difficult for the Army to file charges earlier, now wouldn't it

[rubl]

Jatuporn is in a filing mood.

The other paper has him saying his Reds will file charges with the NACC on Tuesday, April 19, against Abhisit and Suthep for using force against the Reds last April and May.

I wonder if he'll use Amsterdam's Absurd Paper "crimes against humanity" as a cut 'n paste for the filing.

As all should know by now, and as Robert A. just a week ago proclaimed again. Lest you forget how easy it is to say something over and over again till you start to believe it youself. Just some random snippets:

"A full year has passed since Thailand’s British-born Prime Minister, Mark Abhisit, sent his soldiers and snipers to Kok Wua to kill you, in an attempt to silence your calls for democracy. While PM Abhisit was successful in having many of your friends and comrades murdered ..."

"Less than one year ago, the military-backed regime, headed up by United Kingdom citizen Mark Abhisit Vejjajiva, oversaw the murder of some 91 protesters in order to avoid an early election it feared it might lose."

"Red Shirt pro-democracy protests of 2010, which were put to an end by a protracted bloody massacre and repression by government forces."

"Nostitz, who found himself closer to the violence of the state’s crackdown against protesters last year than any other foreign correspondent, has found that the depiction of the April 10th violence in our report to the ICC is largely consistent with his findings."

"Libya Can Be Investigated by the ICC, And So Can Thailand"

http://robertamsterdam.com/thailand/

[Buchholz]

there is a very nice article in the bangkokpost today, written by Voranai.

Enough of lese majestee accusations for political purposes.

Absolutely agree but must be pure coincidence that the Army initiated accusations ( Army, Army, Army.........) are just prior to an election.

Probably pure co-incidence. Mind you the UDD leaders speeches were on the 10th of April. It would be difficult for the Army to file charges earlier, now wouldn't it

Also worth noting the other aspect of Jatuporn's bail-breaking speech for inciting unrest, which, for April 10th, is in keeping with the Red's s historical preference for instigating their annual Songkran Mayhem.

[Insight]

According to Nation Editor Tulsathit on Twitter earlier today, the speeches made by the UDD leaders on the 10th April also ruffled a few feathers inside Phua Thai, particularly with a Mr Chavalit who will be consoled tomorrow at a Phua Thai meeting.

If true, it's clearly not just the army who believe what was said was out of line.

[animatic]

According to Nation Editor Tulsathit on Twitter earlier today, the speeches made by the UDD leaders on the 10th April also ruffled a few feathers inside Phua Thai, particularly with a Mr Chavalit who will be consoled tomorrow at a Phua Thai meeting.

If true, it's clearly not just the army who believe what was said was out of line.

It seems many in PTP are not as anti-royalist as the Red Rabble rousers, and are both afraid and troubled by being included on their side of the tote board. The old guard know the general love and affection that HRM is held in by ' most of the masses', regardless of reddened claims. And this has gotten them scared, since many people might say; Buy my vote OK, but insult my king and your money is no good with me.

Edited April 17, 2011 by animatic

[phiphidon]

According to Nation Editor Tulsathit on Twitter earlier today, the speeches made by the UDD leaders on the 10th April also ruffled a few feathers inside Phua Thai, particularly with a Mr Chavalit who will be consoled tomorrow at a Phua Thai meeting.

If true, it's clearly not just the army who believe what was said was out of line.

It seems many in PTP are not as anti-royalist as the Red Rabble rousers, and are both afraid and troubled by being included on their side of the tote board. The old guard know the general love and affection that HRM is held in by ' most of the masses', regardless of reddened claims. And this has gotten them scared, since many people might say; Buy my vote OK, but insult my king and your money is no good with me.

Still no proof of anti royal statements from the "Red Rabble rousers" so what all of you are convinced of and have stated as fact is purely related to Gen Prayuth and Tharits say so. The entire "story" in the other paper is based on a "puea thai source" - at least they have the guts to state in the headline that the story comes from a "source".

Now I don't know about you or the others clamouring on this forum, but I expect that there will be an election sometime in the future. As a run up to this event politicians of both sides will plant stories in the press. Obviously the existing government have the best chance of getting their stories published despite their stance of supposedly not using the media for political ends. You know and I know that this is not going to happen. They WILL use the media.

So I propose a truce on this forum, neither "side's" supporters/apologists/sad puppies (depending upon your viewpoint) react for or against any OP that is based on a "source" in the coming months - only real attributed news here thank you! If you want a slogan, "Think before you post - Is it real?".

[phiphidon]

According to Nation Editor Tulsathit on Twitter earlier today, the speeches made by the UDD leaders on the 10th April also ruffled a few feathers inside Phua Thai, particularly with a Mr Chavalit who will be consoled tomorrow at a Phua Thai meeting.

If true, it's clearly not just the army who believe what was said was out of line.

It seems many in PTP are not as anti-royalist as the Red Rabble rousers, and are both afraid and troubled by being included on their side of the tote board. The old guard know the general love and affection that HRM is held in by ' most of the masses', regardless of reddened claims. And this has gotten them scared, since many people might say; Buy my vote OK, but insult my king and your money is no good with me.

Still no proof of anti royal statements from the "Red Rabble rousers" so what all of you are convinced of and have stated as fact is purely related to Gen Prayuth and Tharits say so. The entire "story" in the other paper is based on a "puea thai source" - at least they have the guts to state in the headline that the story comes from a "source".

Now I don't know about you or the others clamouring on this forum, but I expect that there will be an election sometime in the future. As a run up to this event politicians of both sides will plant stories in the press. Obviously the existing government have the best chance of getting their stories published despite their stance of supposedly not using the media for political ends. You know and I know that this is not going to happen. They WILL use the media.

So I propose a truce on this forum, neither "side's" supporters/apologists/sad puppies (depending upon your viewpoint) react for or against any OP that is based on a "source" in the coming months - only real attributed news here thank you! If you want a slogan, "Think before you post - Is it real?".

[jdinasia]

PhiPhiDon, LM charges simply cannot repeat what was said. Defamation charges can in a round-about way. How about we agree to let people post as they see fit within the rules that we all agreed upon when joining TVF

[rubl]

...

So I propose a truce on this forum, neither "side's" supporters/apologists/sad puppies (depending upon your viewpoint) react for or against any OP that is based on a "source" in the coming months - only real attributed news here thank you! If you want a slogan, "Think before you post - Is it real?".

Amusing to see 'think before you post' two times, but I must admit hiccups in a connection may cause that, had it myself a few times

'Only real, attributed news here', the OP that is I assume you mean? Should reduce OP's, new topics by at least 95% or more. No undocumented opinions? Your request for (self-)control is not in the spirit of democracy and free speech. Shame on you, sir

Only people who know what they talk about allowed to react? Closeted PAD / TPN supporter, are you ?

Edited April 17, 2011 by rubl

[phiphidon]

...

So I propose a truce on this forum, neither "side's" supporters/apologists/sad puppies (depending upon your viewpoint) react for or against any OP that is based on a "source" in the coming months - only real attributed news here thank you! If you want a slogan, "Think before you post - Is it real?".

Amusing to see 'think before you post' two times, but I must admit hiccups in a connection may cause that, had it myself a few times

'Only real, attributed news here', the OP that is I assume you mean? Should reduce OP's, new topics by at least 95% or more. No undocumented opinions? Your request for (self-)control is not in the spirit of democracy and free speech. Shame on you, sir

Only people who know what they talk about allowed to react? Closeted PAD / TPN supporter, are you ?

Sorry not my fault the post has been repeated. Sorry not my fault the post has been repeated. Would you not agree that OP's purely (and I mean that) relying on an unamed source are not newsworthy? I understand that there is reluctance due to the infamous defamation laws but some OP's are just plain propaganda, from both sides. As for no undocumented opinions - don't get me started - there was/still is a time when you could not reply to a post on this forum without some acolyte demanding source/rank/serial number. I was just hoping for more sensible balanced discussions in the days/months ahead, but hey never mind, I know when I'm beat, enjoy your time here. Allowing only people who know what they are talking about being able to react/post - the very antithesis of TV. See ya.

[webfact]

Row flares over lese majeste complaint

By The Nation

1,000 reds back Jatuporn as he visits police to counter Prayuth claims he offended monarchy

The controversy over alleged lese majeste remarks by certain red-shirt leaders is snowballing, with charges and counter-charges, the government's efforts to strengthen election campaign rules and top Pheu Thai figures under pressure to make their stand clear on the monarchy.

Police have been tasked to prevent campaign violence and the Election Commission is expected to enforce campaign rules, including a ban on trying to attract swaying votes by smearing the monarchy, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

"I will soon consult with the EC in regard to the campaign rules enforced on every party," he said, voicing concern for rally speeches touching on the monarchy.

Abhisit said offensive remarks were made by politicians and those in the mass movement backing a certain party as well. The EC should widen its scope of campaign monitoring to cover activities of campaign supporters, he added.

He did not mention any names although many understood his remarks as referring to the Pheu Thai Party and its red-shirt supporters. The prime minister himself stands to be criticised for capitalising on a situation that began earlier this month when some red-shirt leaders mentioned royal troops during their criticism of the military, prompting Army chief Prayuth Chan-ocha to hit back with fierce remarks.

After Prayuth called on every Thai to go to the polls to determine the country's political course, Thaksin Shinawatra tweeted from his exile that all parties should stop involving the monarchy in politics. News reports over the weekend also said that senior Pheu Thai member Chavalit Yongchaiyudh was facing pressure to distance himself from the red-shirt movement by leaving the Pheu Thai Party. The opposition camp was said yesterday to be trying to convince Chavalit to stay on.

National police chief Wichean Potephosree said he will tomorrow seek Cabinet approval to extend the enforcement of the Internal Security Act in Bangkok for a month ending May 24.

The ISA enforcement is deemed necessary to rein in street protests in the lead up to the campaigning, he said. The security measures would be revoked following the House dissolution as protest activities are expected to revert to campaigning mode, he added.

The national police chief said police stood ready to foil any attempts to instigate campaign violence.

Two political activists submitted a petition yesterday calling for the Department of Special Investigation(DSI) to take every legal course of action in order to punish the red shirts for making remarks deemed offensive to the monarchy.

The two, Monchai Rabruenthaweesuk and Mahatjak Sophee, cited the rally speeches made last Sunday as evidence. They also said they would next petition public prosecutors to try the red shirts.

The DSI is investigating alleged lese majeste involving 18 red-shirt leaders, including Pheu Thai MP Jatuporn Promphan.

Today DSI investigators are scheduled to convene a meeting to prepare a new batch of indictments against the 18.

The DSI will also ask the Office of the Attorney General to petition for the judicial review to revoke bail for Jatuporn and another nine red shirts facing terrorism charges in connection with last year's riots.

Seeking to bounce back from the latest lese majeste controversy, Jatuporn yesterday filed a police complaint at Samranrat police station accusing Army chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha of libel.

Seen as a counter legal move, Jatuporn said Prayuth had tarnished his reputation by targeting him for police investigation on lese majeste.

Last week the Army, acting under Prayuth's instruction, lodged a formal complaint at Samranrat police station charging Jatuporn and another two red-shirt leaders of offending the monarchy in last Sunday's rally speeches.

About 1,000 red shirts showed up to lend Jatuporn moral support while he gave his statement to police. He said he was a victim of a Prayuth-initiated smear campaign and that his remarks were not deemed offensive as had been alleged by Prayuth.

Samranrat police were busy keeping peace around their station as some 300 royalist protesters turned up in what they described as a show of strength and loyalty to oppose any attempts to offend the country's revered institution.

-- The Nation 2011-04-18

[Buchholz]

According to Nation Editor Tulsathit on Twitter earlier today, the speeches made by the UDD leaders on the 10th April also ruffled a few feathers inside Phua Thai, particularly with a Mr Chavalit who will be consoled tomorrow at a Phua Thai meeting.

If true, it's clearly not just the army who believe what was said was out of line.

It's true. Unfortunately, it's one of the downsides of having five threads on one topic. Some of what gets posted in other threads gets overlooked. From four days ago...

trying to distance themselves from the pariah...

Pheu Thai uneasy over Jatuporn’s remark on 10 April

BANGKOK, 13 April 2011 (NNT) – The opposition Pheu Thai Party has denied responsibility for a recent comment made by its MP Jatuporn Prompan about the monarchy while the latter is planning to sue the Army Chief for accusing him of lese majeste.

Following Mr Jatuporn’s statement regarding royal family members issued on the stage of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) on 10 April, Pheu Thai Party Deputy Leader Plodprasop Suraswadi declared that the Party had no involvement.

Although no warning would be issued by the party to the outspoken MP for his action, the deputy leader said most of the party’s members should have felt uneasy about the issue. He stressed that the royal institution must be upheld above politics and all citizens are required to show their loyalty and respect.

Meanwhile, after his remark was considered in violation of the lese majeste law by Army Chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha and a lawsuit is soon to be lodged against him, Mr Jatuporn threatened to file a countersuit on 17 April over false accusation.

As the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will also petition the prosecutor to consider revoking the bail of Mr Jatuporn and other UDD members for breaking bail conditions prescribed by the Court, UDD core leader Natthawut Saikua stated that a team of lawyers would travel to the Office of the Attorney General on 18 April to oppose the bail withdrawal request. He claimed that all evidence, including photographs and footage, had been prepared.

-- NNT 2011-04-13

Edited April 18, 2011 by Buchholz

[brianb1944]

[[still no proof of anti royal statements from the "Red Rabble rousers" so what all of you are convinced of and have stated as fact is purely related to Gen Prayuth and Tharits say so. The entire "story" in the other paper is based on a "puea thai source" - at least they have the guts to state in the headline that the story comes from a "source".

Now I don't know about you or the others clamouring on this forum, but I expect that there will be an election sometime in the future. As a run up to this event politicians of both sides will plant stories in the press. Obviously the existing government have the best chance of getting their stories published despite their stance of supposedly not using the media for political ends. You know and I know that this is not going to happen. They WILL use the media.

So I propose a truce on this forum, neither "side's" supporters/apologists/sad puppies (depending upon your viewpoint) react for or against any OP that is based on a "source" in the coming months - only real attributed news here thank you! If you want a slogan, "Think before you post - Is it real?".

How incredibly arrogant

[seri thai]

Row flares over lese majeste complaint

By The Nation

Police have been tasked to prevent campaign violence and the Election Commission is expected to enforce campaign rules, including a ban on trying to attract swaying votes by smearing the monarchy, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

-- The Nation 2011-04-18

Is it possible in Thailand "to attract swaying votes by smearing the monarchy"? Could be wrong but that sounds like LM from the PM to me.

Dangerous times anyhoo-for any using Catch-22.

[Insight]

[[still no proof of anti royal statements from the "Red Rabble rousers" so what all of you are convinced of and have stated as fact is purely related to Gen Prayuth and Tharits say so. The entire "story" in the other paper is based on a "puea thai source" - at least they have the guts to state in the headline that the story comes from a "source".

Now I don't know about you or the others clamouring on this forum, but I expect that there will be an election sometime in the future. As a run up to this event politicians of both sides will plant stories in the press. Obviously the existing government have the best chance of getting their stories published despite their stance of supposedly not using the media for political ends. You know and I know that this is not going to happen. They WILL use the media.

So I propose a truce on this forum, neither "side's" supporters/apologists/sad puppies (depending upon your viewpoint) react for or against any OP that is based on a "source" in the coming months - only real attributed news here thank you! If you want a slogan, "Think before you post - Is it real?".

How incredibly arrogant

Exactly. So by phiphidon's rules I can't mention this interesting development? Shame.

[webfact]

Red-shirt Leader Sues Army Chief

A group called Motherland Protection is testifying regarding the lese majeste allegation against red-shirt leader Jatuporn Phromphan.

Jatuporn, meanwhile, has filed law suits against the Army chief for accusing him of offending the monarch.

A group of plain-clothed soldiers calling themselves Motherland Protection met with Department of Special Investigation, or DSI, investigator Police Lieutenant Colonel Thawan Mangkhang yesterday morning to present evidence in the allegations against a core leader of the Democratic Alliance Against Dictatorship, or DAAD, Jatuporn Phromphan, who allegedly made lese majeste comments in a speech during the red-shirt rally at Democracy Monument on April 10.

The DSI will forward the evidence it has collected to the Director-General of Special Prosecution, Ruj Khuansuwan to consider whether Jatuporn's bail should be revoked.

In the afternoon, Jatuporn, along with red-shirt leaders Suporn Atthawong and Wichien Khaokham, filed a lawsuit against Army Chief General Prayuth Chan-ocha accusing him of libel, filing a false police report and dereliction of duty for having accused the red-shirt group of engaging in such wrongdoings.

At the Samranrat police station where the report was filed, supporters of the Federation of Monarchy Protection gathered to protest against Jatuporn's filing.

Police had to separate the group from red-shirt supporters who were also gathering there, in order to prevent clashes.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-18

[animatic]

Row flares over lese majeste complaint

By The Nation

Police have been tasked to prevent campaign violence and the Election Commission is expected to enforce campaign rules, including a ban on trying to attract swaying votes by smearing the monarchy, Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said yesterday.

-- The Nation 2011-04-18

Is it possible in Thailand "to attract swaying votes by smearing the monarchy"? Could be wrong but that like LM from the PM to me.

Dangerous times anyhoo-for any using Catch-22.

No, that would not come under LM laws.

[animatic]

http://suthichaiyoon...nd-thaksin.html

...Two senior citizens -- Gen Chavalit Yongchaiyudh and Snoh Thienthong -- have joined hands to "stay away" from Pheau Thai Party. In other words, they want to distance themselves from Thaksin Shinawatra....

Insurrection by the rank... er... in the ranks.

A quick two step back to the right,

after a slow waltz towards the left for a week or so.

These guys are both old school and pro-monarchy in their bones.

No doubt being a generation older and less amoral and monomaniacally obsessive about gaining back face and power, they are objecting to undermining one of their life long underpinnings.

Sure they both wanted one last hurrah, and chance at riding the big wave to the trough, one last time, but not if it means stepping on their core bedrock beliefs of their whole lives. And that could leave them shorn of all honor and left philosophically naked and friendless in the street, in their dotage

Edited April 18, 2011 by animatic

[Buchholz]

[[still no proof of anti royal statements from the "Red Rabble rousers" so what all of you are convinced of and have stated as fact is purely related to Gen Prayuth and Tharits say so. The entire "story" in the other paper is based on a "puea thai source" - at least they have the guts to state in the headline that the story comes from a "source".

Now I don't know about you or the others clamouring on this forum, but I expect that there will be an election sometime in the future. As a run up to this event politicians of both sides will plant stories in the press. Obviously the existing government have the best chance of getting their stories published despite their stance of supposedly not using the media for political ends. You know and I know that this is not going to happen. They WILL use the media.

So I propose a truce on this forum, neither "side's" supporters/apologists/sad puppies (depending upon your viewpoint) react for or against any OP that is based on a "source" in the coming months - only real attributed news here thank you! If you want a slogan, "Think before you post - Is it real?".

How incredibly arrogant

Exactly. So by phiphidon's rules I can't mention this interesting development? Shame.

It didn't happen unless you can produce scanned copies of signed affidavits from Sanoh and Chavalit.

[Buchholz]

According to Nation Editor Tulsathit on Twitter earlier today, the speeches made by the UDD leaders on the 10th April also ruffled a few feathers inside Phua Thai, particularly with a Mr Chavalit who will be consoled tomorrow at a Phua Thai meeting.

If true, it's clearly not just the army who believe what was said was out of line.

It's true. Unfortunately, it's one of the downsides of having five threads on one topic. Some of what gets posted in other threads gets overlooked. From four days ago...

trying to distance themselves from the pariah...

Pheu Thai uneasy over Jatuporn’s remark on 10 April

BANGKOK, 13 April 2011 (NNT) – The opposition Pheu Thai Party has denied responsibility for a recent comment made by its MP Jatuporn Prompan about the monarchy while the latter is planning to sue the Army Chief for accusing him of lese majeste.

Following Mr Jatuporn’s statement regarding royal family members issued on the stage of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) on 10 April, Pheu Thai Party Deputy Leader Plodprasop Suraswadi declared that the Party had no involvement.

Although no warning would be issued by the party to the outspoken MP for his action, the deputy leader said most of the party’s members should have felt uneasy about the issue. He stressed that the royal institution must be upheld above politics and all citizens are required to show their loyalty and respect.

Meanwhile, after his remark was considered in violation of the lese majeste law by Army Chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha and a lawsuit is soon to be lodged against him, Mr Jatuporn threatened to file a countersuit on 17 April over false accusation.

As the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will also petition the prosecutor to consider revoking the bail of Mr Jatuporn and other UDD members for breaking bail conditions prescribed by the Court, UDD core leader Natthawut Saikua stated that a team of lawyers would travel to the Office of the Attorney General on 18 April to oppose the bail withdrawal request. He claimed that all evidence, including photographs and footage, had been prepared.

-- NNT 2011-04-13

attempts at distancing is reaching a crescendo....

Pheu Thai Party to Separate from Red-shirt Movement

The Pheu Thai Party is set to hold a meeting today to find ways to separate the party's role from the red-shirt group.

Deputy Leader of the opposition Pheu Thai Party, Plodprasop Surusawadee disclosed that the Party will meet today to discuss ways to separate the Party's role in politics from the red-shirt group.

Plodprasop has admitted to rumors that some of the party's executives have plans to resign as they want to prevent the party from being criticized during the election campaign, which might lead to the party's dissolution

As for reports that the Party's Chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh is set to leave the Party, Plodprasop said Chavalit should not be concerned about the situation.

-- Tan Network 2011-04-18

[chuang]

So the word 'Royal" is also taboo in thailand....amazing..

[Buchholz]

According to Nation Editor Tulsathit on Twitter earlier today, the speeches made by the UDD leaders on the 10th April also ruffled a few feathers inside Phua Thai, particularly with a Mr Chavalit who will be consoled tomorrow at a Phua Thai meeting.

If true, it's clearly not just the army who believe what was said was out of line.

It's true. Unfortunately, it's one of the downsides of having five threads on one topic. Some of what gets posted in other threads gets overlooked. From four days ago...

trying to distance themselves from the pariah...

Pheu Thai uneasy over Jatuporn’s remark on 10 April

BANGKOK, 13 April 2011 (NNT) – The opposition Pheu Thai Party has denied responsibility for a recent comment made by its MP Jatuporn Prompan about the monarchy while the latter is planning to sue the Army Chief for accusing him of lese majeste.

Following Mr Jatuporn’s statement regarding royal family members issued on the stage of the United Front of Democracy Against Dictatorship (UDD) on 10 April, Pheu Thai Party Deputy Leader Plodprasop Suraswadi declared that the Party had no involvement.

Although no warning would be issued by the party to the outspoken MP for his action, the deputy leader said most of the party’s members should have felt uneasy about the issue. He stressed that the royal institution must be upheld above politics and all citizens are required to show their loyalty and respect.

Meanwhile, after his remark was considered in violation of the lese majeste law by Army Chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha and a lawsuit is soon to be lodged against him, Mr Jatuporn threatened to file a countersuit on 17 April over false accusation.

As the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) will also petition the prosecutor to consider revoking the bail of Mr Jatuporn and other UDD members for breaking bail conditions prescribed by the Court, UDD core leader Natthawut Saikua stated that a team of lawyers would travel to the Office of the Attorney General on 18 April to oppose the bail withdrawal request. He claimed that all evidence, including photographs and footage, had been prepared.

attempts at distancing is reaching a crescendo....

Pheu Thai Party to Separate from Red-shirt Movement

The Pheu Thai Party is set to hold a meeting today to find ways to separate the party's role from the red-shirt group.

Deputy Leader of the opposition Pheu Thai Party, Plodprasop Surusawadee disclosed that the Party will meet today to discuss ways to separate the Party's role in politics from the red-shirt group.

Plodprasop has admitted to rumors that some of the party's executives have plans to resign as they want to prevent the party from being criticized during the election campaign, which might lead to the party's dissolution

As for reports that the Party's Chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh is set to leave the Party, Plodprasop said Chavalit should not be concerned about the situation.

more fall out from the Reds within PTP actions...

Opposition keen to reassure Chavalit

The opposition Pheu Thai Party is expected today to try to talk its Chairman Chavalit Yongchaiyudh out of jumping ship due to his concern over an alleged campaign to offend the monarchy. "Chavalit is a senior figure who will not leave Pheu Thai for the sake of his survival alone," Party Spokesman Prompong Nopparit said yesterday.

Chavalit might not be really leaving the Party since only an aide and MP Chavalit Vichayasuthi had brought up the possibility. The aide might have used Chavalit as a bargaining leverage with the Party rather than communicated Chavalit's true intent.

He also ruled out any chance that Pracharaj Party leader Snoh Thienthong, a close ally of Chavalit, might suspend his plan to team up with Pheu Thai.

Following the aide's remarks on Saturday, speculation spread that Chavalit was poised to severe his ties with Pheu Thai after he reportedly was warned by security agencies of suspicious activities involving the party and the red shirts, which could be construed as disloyalty to the monarchy. Red-shirt leaders made controversial remarks at their rally the Sunday before, prompting Chavalit to reconsider his association with the main opposition party, the aide said.

Chavalit was an Army Chief who was awarded the Ramathibodi Medal for Valour. He had sworn an oath of loyalty to the monarchy in an ancient ceremony of drinking sacred water at the Royal Palace.

Following the rally on April 10, Chavalit and Snoh called former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra in Dubai to express concern about the alleged offensive, the aide said. Thaksin reportedly promised the two that he would intervene and ask the red shirts to stop referring to the monarchy in an insulting manner.

The aide claimed Chavalit had five reasons to split with Pheu Thai, including his allegiance to the monarchy, his risk of losing credibility since he has guaranteed Pheu Thai's loyalty, and worry about the flare-up of political violence.

Chavalit was alarmed by recent events, which could lead to a repeat of last year's bloody riots, the aide said.

Some Pheu Thai politicians are about to quit their executive positions to avoid punishment by party dissolution if they become entangled in campaign violations.

Suphon Fongngam is expected to resign as secretary-general this week.

The Pheu Thai executive board would be left with a skeletal staff of administrators to oversee routine affairs.

In regard to Saturday's trip to Russia by Yingluck Shinawatra, legal adviser Noppadon Patama said she flew off to join her brother Thaksin for the Songkran holiday, not to discuss her candidacy for prime minister.

"Any political talks were already ended in an earlier visit to meet Thaksin in Dubai," he said. There was no reason to choose Russia for further consultations on the PM candidate, he said. Thaksin is mulling his options on the candidates and has reportedly promised to make a decision after the House dissolution, expected in the first week of May.

-- The Nation 2011-04-18